In the Maldives, every year around November and December, something amazing happens – millions of dragonflies arrive here. It’s like a magical show that not only looks great in my pictures but also feels special to me. Let me share the story of these dragonflies and why they matter.
Dragonflies, with their iridescent wings and graceful flight, are fascinating creatures. They belong to the order Odonata and play crucial roles in the ecosystem as predators of mosquitoes and other insects. Their annual migration to the Maldives is a spectacle to behold, as they traverse vast distances, guided by instinct and environmental cues.
Dragonflies When I Was Young:
When I was a kid and didn’t have a camera, I used to see many different dragonflies in the Maldives. The sky was full of colors – red, blue, green, and more. We didn’t just watch them; we tried catching them, amazed at the variety nature gave us.
The Big Dragonfly Show:
Every year, I wait for the dragonflies to come back. They travel a long way from India, passing through the Maldives on their way to Africa. It’s like a grand performance in the sky, showing how nature works. They fly 14,000-18,000km, which is really far! I take pictures not just because they look good but to tell a story about how strong and adaptable nature is.
Colorful Dragonflies:
As a photographer, I’ve taken pictures of eight types of dragonflies in the Maldives. They come in so many colors – more than 15! The best times for photos are in the morning or just before the sun sets. Even on rainy days, I find chances to capture them in their natural, rain-kissed surroundings.
What a Scientist Found:
Dr. Charles Anderson has been studying dragonflies since 1996. He discovered that they travel an incredible 14,000-18,000km from India to the Maldives, Africa, and back. His work is not just smart; it adds more meaning to the story of these dragonflies in the Maldives.
Dragonfly Species Found in the Maldives
Are Dragonflies Breeding in the Maldives’ Ecosystem?
Dragonflies also breed in the Maldives. I have observed dragonfly larvae or nymphs on my island. Recently, I have seen lots of newborn dragonflies and nymphs in the Maldives capital city, Male’.
Check out these images of dragonfly nymphs and newly born dragonflies!
The dragonfly life cycle has three stages: the embryo, the larva (or nymph), and an adult. Dragonflies can live as aquatic larvae underwater for more than 2 years. Dragonflies belong to the insect order Odonata.
Odonata
Odonata is the order of insects commonly known as dragonflies and damselflies. They are characterized by large, transparent wings, elongated bodies, and long, slender abdomens. Dragonflies are generally larger and sturdier than damselflies, and when at rest, they hold their wings perpendicular to their bodies, while damselflies typically hold their wings closed above their bodies. Odonates are predatory insects, feeding on other insects such as mosquitoes, flies, and other small flying insects. They are found near freshwater habitats worldwide and are often admired for their graceful flight and striking colors.
Damselflies
Damselflies, like dragonflies, are predators, feeding on small insects such as mosquitoes, flies, and gnats. They are often found near freshwater habitats such as ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers, where they lay their eggs and spend the majority of their lives in their nymphal aquatic stage before emerging as adults. Damselflies are valued for their role in controlling insect populations and are also appreciated for their beauty and intricate flying patterns.
In the End:
So, the dragonfly show in the Maldives is not just something that happens; it’s a celebration of nature. As someone who loves nature and animals, I use my camera to connect the beauty of dragonflies with people’s hearts. Dr. Charles Anderson’s research is cool, but my connection with these dragonflies is personal. It’s a way for nature lovers like me to enjoy the amazing stories that happen in the Maldivian sky every year.
Reference:
Ocean Dimensions – Dragonflies in the Maldives
Edition MV – Dragonflies’ Migration in the Maldives
Journal of Tropical Ecology – Do Dragonflies Migrate Across the Western Indian Ocean?
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